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May 25 – June 3, 2024
The Kingdom of Morocco inspires travelers with its diverse landscapes, multitude of languages, and intersection of European, African, and Middle Eastern cultures. Students joining us will explore the country’s diverse regions while unpacking how cultures have both clashed and cooperated over the centuries to form Morocco’s identity. Although the country is rapidly modernizing, students will discover what it means for Morocco to retain much of its history, colorful architecture, traditional mint tea, ancient Roman ruins, and winding paths of its medinas.
Travel from Los Angeles to Rabat, Morocco.
Arrive in the afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and meet your guide for a pre-trip briefing. Enjoy a welcome dinner in town.
Take a tour of Morocco’s capital and learn to make traditional mint tea through a demonstration.
In the afternoon, participate in a language workshop at the Center for Cross-Cultural Learning, a cultural and educational institution located in the heart of Rabat, Morocco’s medina. Learn about Moroccan society and Arab and Islamic cultures.
Built in the XIV Century by the Merinid dynasty upon the ruin of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia, the Chellah Necropolis is not just a place where we can see centuries-old monuments. Listen carefully for the tales of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Arabs who lived in this unique location.
In the afternoon, participate in an interactive workshop with Archnet, a resource and authority exploring Muslim civilizations in all their geographic and artistic diversity. In Rabat, visit a boldly contemporary site whose design draws heavily on Amazigh art and symbolism. The triangular main façade and some openings recall forms of Amazigh jewelry; marble floors and stone-and-pebble paths echo traditional carpet patterns; and painted wooden ceilings again reflect Amazigh geometry.
End the day with a cooking class on Moroccan cuisine.
Depart Rabat, headed for Chefchaouen. Stop in Ouezzane, a town in northwest Morocco. Many Moroccan Jews consider it a holy city and make pilgrimages to venerate the tombs of several marabouts (Moroccan saints). Continue to Chefchaouen and enjoy a walking tour of the uniquely blue town. The main square is the heart of Chefchaouen, featuring a kasbah built in the 18th century and a central mosque.
Meet with a local non-profit to learn about culture and language heritage and the impacts of tourism. In the afternoon, take part in either a wood, art, or weaving workshop. Local artisans will show you how to make their products.
Depart Chefchaouen, headed for Fes. Take a guided tour of Morocco’s largest ancient site, also a UNESCO archeological site, the Roman settlement of Volubilis. Continue to Fes. Participate in a walking tour. Visit Fes El Bali, its walled medina with mediaeval Marinid architecture, vibrant bazaars, and old-world atmosphere. See the grand mosque Fes el-Jdid and the dazzling exterior of the royal palace.
Attend a workshop at the Gender Studies Department of the University of Fes. The Gender Studies Department aims to sensitize the faculty and students to women’s issues and their academic importance. To achieve these aims, they organize study days, workshops, roundtables, as well as national and international conferences on issues related to women and gender.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of a pottery factory for a tour and see the local artisans in action creating amazing products. Make your own piece of pottery to take home with you.
Wind up the day with dinner and conversations at Nur Fez. The chef here has a fascinating story to tell.
Visit a shelter for working donkeys and horses in the medina. It is run by American Fandouk. Learn about the significance of their work and tour the shelter.
In the afternoon, take part in an Arabic calligraphy workshop with professional craftsmen who will guide you making your own art.
Begin your journey home.
Insight has delivered international trips for a wide variety of audiences, including both adults and youths, since 2013. Our top priority from start to finish is the health and well-being of our participants. In the event conditions change while on trip, Insight may need to adjust the itinerary to ensure participant health and safety.
As with all trips, risks do exist and participants will need to complete Acknowledgement of Risk documentation prior to departure. Insight will take every precaution to ensure this experience is truly unforgettable, all for the right reasons. To learn more about our health and safety practices, please contact us.
Please refer to instructions sent by your school.
We take students out of the classroom and challenge them to learn about how the world really works in different places, delivering truly unique study abroad and student travel opportunities.